Where is M16 right now?
M16 is located in the constellation Serpens2. It is currently above the horizon at an altitude of 39° toward the south, with an apparent magnitude of 6.00.
Twilight begins at 18:48 local time. At that moment, M16 will be 39° above the horizon toward the south.
Twilight begins at 18:48 local time. At that moment, M16 will be 39° above the horizon toward the south.
Track M16 Position Throughout the Night
← 4 September 2026 →
| Time | |
| Altitude | |
| Azimuth |
Shift the map to change the time and observe M16 changing position in the night sky.
Where and When to Look for M16 Tonight
The best observable position of M16 is near 19:00: 38° above the horizon toward the south. Status: Best view.
How M16 Moves Across the Sky
During this observing period, M16 moves from the east, reaches its highest sampled position at 38° toward the south, and finishes toward the east.
Astrometric and Physical Parameters of M16
| Constellation | Serpens2 |
| Elevation | 39° |
| Direction | south (185°) |
| Magnitude | 6 |
M16 Passage Through Night
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Current position of M16
| Time | 18:48 |
| Latitude | 37.3541 |
| Longitude | -121.955 |
| Elevation | 39° |
| Azimuth | 185° |
Here you can see the current position of M16 on the map, as well as its positions for rise and set. This tool lets you track its movement throughout the night with accurate, up-to-date information.
M16 Position by Hour
Select a row to move both interactive maps to that time.
| Time | Elevation | Azimuth | Direction | Visibility | RA | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 3, 12:00 | -15° | 96° | east | Below horizon | 18h 18m | −13° 48′ |
| Sep 3, 13:00 | -3° | 105° | south-east | Below horizon | 18h 18m | −13° 48′ |
| Sep 3, 14:00 | 8° | 114° | south-east | Daylight | 18h 18m | −13° 48′ |
| Sep 3, 15:00 | 18° | 125° | south-east | Daylight | 18h 18m | −13° 48′ |
| Sep 3, 16:00 | 27° | 137° | south-east | Daylight | 18h 18m | −13° 48′ |
| Sep 3, 17:00 | 34° | 152° | south-east | Daylight | 18h 18m | −13° 48′ |
| Sep 3, 18:00 | 38° | 170° | south | Twilight | 18h 18m | −13° 48′ |
| Sep 3, 19:00 | 38° | 188° | south | Best view | 18h 18m | −13° 48′ |
| Sep 3, 20:00 | 35° | 206° | south-west | Visible | 18h 18m | −13° 48′ |
| Sep 3, 21:00 | 28° | 221° | south-west | Visible | 18h 18m | −13° 48′ |
| Sep 3, 22:00 | 19° | 234° | south-west | Visible | 18h 18m | −13° 48′ |
| Sep 3, 23:00 | 9° | 245° | south-west | Very low | 18h 18m | −13° 48′ |
| Sep 4, 00:00 | -2° | 254° | south-west | Below horizon | 18h 18m | −13° 48′ |
| Sep 4, 01:00 | -14° | 263° | west | Below horizon | 18h 18m | −13° 48′ |
| Sep 4, 02:00 | -26° | 272° | west | Below horizon | 18h 18m | −13° 48′ |
| Sep 4, 03:00 | -38° | 282° | north-west | Below horizon | 18h 18m | −13° 48′ |
| Sep 4, 03:10 — Astronomical night ends | -40° | 284° | north-west | Below horizon | 18h 18m | −13° 48′ |
| Sep 4, 03:42 — Twilight end | -46° | 291° | north-west | Below horizon | 18h 18m | −13° 48′ |
| Sep 4, 04:00 | -49° | 295° | north-west | Below horizon | 18h 18m | −13° 48′ |
| Sep 4, 04:14 — Civil sunrise | -51° | 298° | north-west | Below horizon | 18h 18m | −13° 48′ |
| Sep 4, 04:42 — Sunrise | -56° | 307° | north-west | Below horizon | 18h 18m | −13° 48′ |
| Sep 4, 05:00 | -59° | 313° | north-west | Below horizon | 18h 18m | −13° 48′ |
| Sep 4, 06:00 | -65° | 341° | north-west | Below horizon | 18h 18m | −13° 48′ |
| Sep 4, 07:00 | -66° | 17° | north-east | Below horizon | 18h 18m | −13° 48′ |
| Sep 4, 08:00 | -59° | 46° | north-east | Below horizon | 18h 18m | −13° 48′ |
| Sep 4, 09:00 | -49° | 65° | north-east | Below horizon | 18h 18m | −13° 48′ |
| Sep 4, 10:00 | -38° | 77° | north-east | Below horizon | 18h 18m | −13° 48′ |
| Sep 4, 11:00 | -26° | 88° | east | Below horizon | 18h 18m | −13° 48′ |
| Sep 4, 12:00 | -14° | 97° | east | Below horizon | 18h 18m | −13° 48′ |